It does. And it continues to be a factor in about one-third of all traffic deaths in the nation. In 2010, 10,530 people died in speeding-related crashes in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

A survey from the Governors Highway Safety Association found that the public tolerates speeding because we simply don't care: 78 percent of those surveyed cited public indifference as the main cause of speeding. Sixty-one percent said they perceive "speed enforcement as "just a revenue generator" and 43 percent cited "lack of federal funding for enforcement."

Seven states: Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia have increased speed limits to as high as 85 mph on certain roadways.

Only two states (Connecticut and Wyoming) increased fines for speeders. Georgia, Hawaii and Pennsylvania created a new "super" or "excessive" speeder classification.

Only Indiana enacted an aggressive driver law. Just eleven states have these laws. Alabama does not.

Besides out lackadaisical attitude about speeding, the GHSA cited dwindling numbers of enforcement officers as a main cause of speeding. The association called for a national campaign by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration to curb speeding and reckless driving.

Bumper snicker: I didn't lower my expectations, they crashed on their own.

A chatter on a recent Live Chat asked when ALDOT will begin work widening I-65 between Shelby County 52 and U.S. 31 in Alabaster. This stretch is just south of the recently widened interstate. Apparently ALDOT is fast-laning (pun intended) the project. "We anticipate having everything prepared by late summer of this year. I would assume that if funding is available at that time, we will be letting the project to contract," said ALDOT spokeswoman Linda Crockett.

Q. Are roundabouts and traffic circles being considered for problem intersections such as Valleydale and Caldwell Mill Roads? There area several locations with the roundabouts around the country with Franklin, Tenn., the nearest that I'm aware of. -- David Fair, Birmingham.

A. The widening of Valleydale Road through this intersection is a joint project of the city of Hoover and Shelby County. Shelby Engineer Randy Cole said the idea was not considered because of the tremendous amount of right of way that would have been needed to construct, which would wipe out the businesses on each corner. Hoover has several roundabouts "on low volume roads in new developments. We have not retrofitted a roundabout within an existing intersection to date for the reasons mentioned by Randy Cole," said Hoover engineer Rod Long.

Q. Can you please find out who decides what color fire hydrants are painted? I think they were all red as I was growing up, but the ones on our street are yellow and blue. My husband saw some in Shelby County painted silver with a blue cap and one painted red and silver. I know drivers aren't supposed to park in front of a fire hydrant, but how close are we allowed to park near one? -- Carole Alexander, Hoover.

A. Last question first: State law prohibits parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, but common sense would tell one that if fire trucks needed to get to the hydrant one should quickly move their vehicle.

Now on to the color wheel: The National Fire Protection Association sets standards for fire hydrants, among other fire safety standards. "The hydrant bonnets are supposed to be painted to show the amount of pressure, as in gallons per minute, that the hydrant can pump," said Hoover Fire Chief Chuck Wingate. Most major cities in Jefferson County do this, but not all area departments do. Here's the code: A green bonnet indicates the hydrant can pump 1,000 to 1,499 gallons per minute; blue, 1,500 gallons and above per minute; and a red bonnet means the hydrant pumps less than 500 gallons per minute. And by the way, the association also recommends that hydrants pumping non-potable water be painted light violet. And, no, Miss Crazy does not know why that color was chosen.